To hear sounds, electrical impulses are transmitted through nerves from our ears to the brain stem at the base of the brain. The test is performed by placing three or four electrodes on the baby’s head, after which various sounds are given to the baby through small headphones. If a healthy response is recorded, then the inscription “PASSED” appears on the baby’s hearing screen. The test usually takes 5-15 minutes to complete. Depending on the baby’s condition, the test period may be extended.
What is the Importance of Newborn Hearing Screening?
Hearing loss in newborns is the most common finding at birth. Speech and language disorders can be prevented by diagnosing hearing loss at an early age. with intervention for 6 months or earlier, the normal speech and language development of a hearing-impaired child can continue at the same level in the presence of auditory peers.
If your baby fails the hearing test?
It is a common condition for newborn babies not to pass the first test. If they remain from the first test, it may be indicated that there is fluid in the middle ear and that the ear canals are narrow. If the baby does not pass the first test, the screening test is repeated two weeks later. If it does not pass again, it will be repeated once again after two weeks. When he stays for the third time, he is referred to another hospital for an advanced audiological evaluation.